Gearing up

I picked up and installed aero bars, Profile Design Airstrykes, today. The installation was cool because I got to use my torque wrench and buy some hex drivers for it. I also tweaked my seat height and position. The good news so far is that my hands don't fall asleep the way they do when I'm in the drops for prolonged periods. Nevertheless, using the bars will take some getting used to. Based on my trainer ride, I'm going to be slower before I'm faster. I also really notice when I'm not keeping my knees aligned. I also have no idea about my posture. For all I know I still look like Quasimodo. Anyway, it's pretty official now: I've spent too much money preparing to time trial not to do so. If I get anything else, it'll be shoe covers and perhaps a spare razor to shave my legs. The goal is still to not finish last in my age group. We'll see what happens. The next event is April 30.

Something cool

The title of this post is the subject line of the e-mail that provided this video below to me. I agree and, since it's cycling related, you get to see it here. I should do my homework to learn how I can contribute to help more. When I learn that I'll post here. Of course if you already know please give cycledork a spin. Thanks to the friend who sent the e-mail.

Just try to find a gig bag

There was a time in my life when I considered buying an aluminum-bodied guitar but this one is beyond my scale, even in the upper register. Imagine the time and cost of replacing the strings. I assume the lack of commentary on this clip is because the BBC was left speechless, much as I am.

Your mouse click here

Few people are more suspicious, and more suspicious of internet chain letters, than I am. Thus it is with some sheepishness that I present this link. Essentially, it asks that readers add their names to a petition to Google to add a "Bike There" feature to Google Maps, similar to that application's "Drive There" and "Take Public Transit" features. A modest request given the company's resources and the features already available. Maybe I let my guard down too easily but I was signer No. 30210.

Clarification

Though I do not plan to commute for the foreseeable future, that does not mean I won't be riding. I plan to be on the trainer and on the road at practically every opportunity while I deal with the current hiccup. Despite the loss of the commuting miles, with the trainer time increasing, I expect my overall mileage to go up.

Streak over

In the one year, 10 months and 19 days of cycle commuting, I missed riding twice. In fact, the last time I missed was Tropical Storm Alberto, which came 31 days after after my commuting started. But I failed to ride today and I will not ride again for the foreseeable future. Both bicycle and cyclist are fine; details later.

This time — I'm serious — I think I mean it

Many of you know that I've been threatening to participate in the time-trial series at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Well, my skinsuit — the garment at right — arrived today. If nothing else I can say that I can fit into a men's extra small garment. The scientist said I don't even look close to ridiculous. Though very tight — there's reason it's called a skinsuit — it is amazingly comfortable. To supplement a response to ladymacsquish, the conventional wisdom about bibs and singlets fitting better is true. I wore it tonight while I did an hour on the trainer and it felt good even though it was straight out of the package. Getting it over my shoulders, both on and off, was a challenge but not even close to insurmountable. I have a few more investments to make and many more hours on the trainer and road before I spend a Wednesday in Charlotte but I think the day is approaching.